Westmont puts hurt on Menlo

ATHERTON – Freshman guard Preston Branson tallied 19 points while shooting 80 percent from the floor (8 of 10), including three of three from three-point range, as No. 22 Westmont men’s basketball posted a 107-54 win over the Oaks of Menlo College (4-6).  Senior point guard, Chris Jackson, playing in front of a hometown crowd, tallied a double-double of 10 points and 13 assists.

“For CJ to have 13 assists and only two turnovers in a game with this kind of fast pace is a good sign,” said Westmont Head Coach John Moore. “His high school coach was here and his community college coach was here as were assistant coaches from both programs. There were probably 50 fans in the stands that were pulling for him and he put on a show.”

“It was fun,” said Jackson of the hometown experience. “I had my last two coaches here and it was good to play in front of them. I had some friends here who don’t get to see me play very often. It was good for me to be around home again.”

“I thought this was a night when our freshmen came out in a way that we hoped they would,” said Moore, “particularly Preston Branson. I thought his decision making was outstanding. He didn’t have a turnover on a night when we had a few too many turnovers. His game, and his sense of the game, was like we had hoped for.”

Thirty-two seconds into the game, senior guard Andrew Schmalbach nailed a three-point, sparking a Warrior 15-2 run to start the game. The Warriors never looked back. By halftime, Westmont had pressed their advantage to 60-21.

Schmalbach recorded 17 points for the Warriors, making six of his seven attempts from the floor

“Over this trip, Andrew shot over 75 percent (10 of 13) from the three-point line,” said Moore. “He was five for six tonight. I thought Andrew had a very special weekend.”

Dan Rap made seven of nine field goals on his way to 18 points and Matt LeDuc produced 13 points to give Westmont five double-figure scorers. Evan Haines added another nine points and 13 boards to the Warriors’ cause and Jordan Sachs added nine points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals.

“I think we came out and played hard,” said Jackson, “We got to clear the bench and everybody got to play which is always great. They came in a played hard. I thought everyone did well tonight.”

Westmont will take the next eight days off for the Christmas holidays before hosting the 34^th Annual Tom Byron Classic on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29 and 30. On Tuesday, Westmont will play against Concordia (Neb.) in a 7:30 p.m. game. The early game, which tips off at 5:30, will feature Central (Iowa) and Westminster (Pa.).